Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a problem with how the brain receives and sends information, which can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms that cant be explained by a neurological disease or other medical condition. FND is a condition at the interface between the specialties of neurology and psychiatry, and it is now established that FND is a common cause of disability and distress, which may overlap with other problems such as chronic pain and fatigue.

FND has two primary categories: psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and functional movement disorder (FND), and there are many types of FND, with a diverse mix and range of neurologic symptoms and disorders. Some of the most common symptoms of FND include motor dysfunction, sensory dysfunction, and cognitive dysfunction.

Diagnosing FND can be difficult because no single test can confirm a diagnosis of FND. A doctor will assess your health and medical and family history to rule out any neurological or other condition that may cause symptoms since FND can co-exist with other disorders. A neurologist and a psychiatrist or psychologist may look for specific patterns of symptoms or signs to make a diagnosis. An FND diagnosis should be made from a detailed patient history and positive signs.

There are no specific treatments for FND, but there are treatments for some of its symptoms. A team of doctors and health professionals from various specialties work together to deliver a combination of treatments and comprehensive care. Learning that your symptoms are real despite there not being an underlying medical disease can help you to better cope with the condition.